Intel: Bay Trail Android tablets due in Q2
The first round of Android tablets to feature Intel’s 64-bit quad-core Atom processor is expected to come to market some time in the next quarter. Speaking yesterday on the quarterly earnings conference call, CEO Brian Krzanich talked about the chip’s advantages and why it has taken a while to show up.
Most of the Bay Trail Android tablets really start showing up more in Q2 than in Q1…remember we made a shift, an original program for Bay Trail was all Windows…and so you know our OEM partners as well are targeting more towards Q2.
A 64-bit architecture might not impact the average user over the short haul but gamers and those who process tons of data will benefit. Jumping from 32-bit to 64-bit also enables devices to allow for more than 4GB memory, some thing we might be hitting by the end of the year.
via CNET
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HTC One successor due in late March – Bloomberg
The successor to the HTC One will arrive in late March, according to a source close to Bloomberg. Expected to feature a display of 5-inches or larger, the handset is also alleged to offer a twin-sensor rear camera which improves focus and image quality. Reportedly, the device will employ “Qualcomm Inc.’s later Snapdragon processor”, likely the Snapdragon 805 announced toward the end of 2013.
As for the name, it appears HTC may potentially leave things alone and go with the same branding. Perhaps they’ll market it as the “new HTC One” or something that alerts consumers that it’s the new version of the flagship. Works for Apple and the iPad, right?
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Apple Reportedly Targeting Late Q3 2014 for 12.9-Inch ‘iPad Pro’ Launch
As outlined in our feature highlighting Apple’s possible product plans for 2014, a number of rumors have suggested Apple may be working on a 12.9-inch iPad model that could launch later this year. The company is allegedly accelerating development on this device in response to Samsung’s introduction of two competing 12.2-inch tablet models, with market sources cited by Digitimes claiming that Apple is now prepping the so-called “iPad Pro” for a late Q3 2014 launch at the earliest.
Mockup of 12.9-inch iPad next to iPad Air and iPad mini
The claim that Apple’s timeline is motivated by a perceived need to match Samsung’s recent introductions seems doubtful given that Apple has routinely taken its time coming to market even in the face of competitors rushing to beat Apple to its own rumored products, but at a minimum the claimed launch target offers one more data point for those trying to predict a release. Some sources have predicted a launch as soon as early this year but such a timeline seems very unlikely given the absence of part leaks and other substantiating evidence.
Earlier reports suggested the 12.9-inch iPad Pro could be a hybrid device that would appeal to enterprise customers looking for a machine that bridges the gap between tablet and notebook. Based on display panels currently under development in the supply chain, research firm DisplaySearch believes that the iPad Pro could ship with a 12.9-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2732 x 2048 and 265 ppi.
Besides the iPad Pro, Digitimes‘ sources unsurprisingly also claim Apple is working on new 7.9-inch and 9.7-inch models to replace the current Retina iPad mini and iPad Air. These models will likely debut in Q3 2014, keeping with Apple’s current late fall release schedule for the iPad. Demand for the iPad is expected to be strong again in 2014 with the company selling between 80 and 90 million units over the course of the year.
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Starbucks iOS App Updated to Secure Personal Information [iOS Blog]
Starbucks has released an update to its iOS app that safeguards customer’s personal information stored on the phone. An earlier version of the app saved sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords and location data, in a clear text format. Potential criminals who obtained physical access to a customer’s iPhone could download these details with minimal effort.
As announced by Starbucks chief information officer Curt Garner, an updated version of the Starbucks mobile app is available now in the iOS App Store. Though the safeguard measures were not detailed, Garner did confirm that the changes made to app provide “extra layers of protection” for consumers.
As promised, we have released an updated version of Starbucks Mobile App for iOS which adds extra layers of protection. We encourage customers to download the update as an additional safeguard measure.
A followup inquiry by The Verge clarified that the app no longer stores personal data in clear text format. Garner encouraged all Starbucks customers to download the latest version of the company’s app.
Version 2.6.2 of Starbucks for the iPhone is available for download from the iOS App Store. [Direct Link]
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Sacramento Kings set to broadcast using Google Glass, accept Bitcoins
Watching hoops from the stands or on TV is great, but have you ever wanted to see an NBA game from the perspective of a coach, cheerleader or broadcaster? That’s going to happen on January 24th during a Sacramento Kings broadcast vs. the Indiana Pacers, as select players and staff will be decked out in Google Glass — along with the team’s mascot, announcers, dancers and others. All that will be coordinated by a company called CrowdOptic, which will analyze in real time where all the devices are aimed and distill everything to a manageable feed for broadcast. At the same time, the Kings have announced that it’ll be the first pro sports franchise to accept Bitcoins, letting fans purchase merchandise and tickets by March 1st using the virtual currency. There’s a video after the break to give you a sneak peak at the players-eye-view — we’ll have to see if they’re smiling as much after the game.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Wearables, HD, Google
HTC One sequel rumored to have two rear cameras for better focusing and image quality
Last year’s leak of the HTC One’s follow-up, the M8, seemingly raised more questions than it answered. When will it ship? And what’s the deal with that second hole on the back? We may have a much clearer picture today, though. Bloomberg sources now claim that the M8 will arrive in late March, and that additional hole is reportedly for an additional camera that would assist a next-generation Ultrapixel sensor. The companion shooter would improve focusing and image quality while allowing for depth of field effects — we’re guessing that means tricks like post-shot refocusing, not the 3D video that HTC gave up years ago. The tipsters otherwise support rumors that we’ve seen before, including talk of a larger screen and a newer Snapdragon processor. It’s tough to know whether or not the M8 will be a worthy sequel based on these leaks, but they do hint that we’re looking at more than just a mild refresh.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTC
Source: Bloomberg
JLab Audio Epic Earbuds review
At First Glance
The Epic Earbuds by JLab Audio produce great sound, are very comfortable in ear, and even come with unique CushFins, (those funky looking things that you see in the image above – a combo of cushions and fins.)
Audio & Microphone Quality
The Audio Quality on this pair of bad boys is pretty nice with the 13mm Crystal Clear Clarity Drivers, however with higher than usual bass.
The microphone is very clear for portable earbuds, both with making calls and audio clip recordings. The sensitivity of the microphone isn’t the greatest, while it picks up audio in close range, the microphone also easily catches your surrounding audio.
Durability
I’ve tested these daily, maybe a little more than most people would use on an average day. I’d say that the audio is really clear and good at first but after a long period of use, (call me crazy), but they become “broken in”, not comfort wise, but sound wise. I adore the slim-flat tangle-free cord, however I was very worried about the cables. They take some getting used to, I was a bit worried that they were going to rip if tugged the wrong way at first, but that’s simply because of the cables thin profile – something I quickly adjusted to. To be super protective on the go, JLab Audio includes a durable travel case for these earbuds.
Comfort & CushFins
Ahh, the CushFins, I really think that these are a neat feature. I’ve tried a few different sizes of the CushFins and though I loved them at first. I soon learned that for me personally they weren’t the most helpful, however many people really like them. When using the CushFins, I’ve unfortunately had the CushFins pop off on several occasions. As far as the earbud tips go, they come included with all standard sizes, and I’ve had no issues at all, once you find your proper fit, they are very comfortable. Those ‘gel’ earbud tips are always welcoming to me compared to Apple’s EarPods which practically fly right out of my ear milliseconds after insertion.
Overview
The Epic Earbuds are a great call if you’re looking for quality earbuds for your smartphone. JLab says that about eight years of engineering, R&D, and more have gone into these earbuds to really make the design, fit, and sound Epic. They are available in two color variants, Black/Gray and Gray/Blue. You can find them on JLab’s site >>>HERE<<< on sale for $49.99, from the listed $69.99 MSRP.
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Is Your Car Killing You?- Infographic
Being in your car isn’t as safe as you might think. Every 16 minutes a fatal motor vehicle accident occurs in the US. Traffic fatalities are increasing on the road. Driving your car is affecting your health in ways you never imagine. Take a look at the infographic…
Source Wish.co.uk
US Government now owns Silk Road’s $25 million Bitcoin hoard
If we’re honest, asset seizures are inherently hilarious. After all, for every sports car that’s flogged to boost the public purse, there must be an unsaleable giant mechanical heron just gathering dust in a federal warehouse. After shutting down Silk Road, the US has now gained a slightly more useful treasure for its collection: 29,665 in Bitcoin, currently worth around $25 million. The celebrations won’t begin just yet, however, since Ross “Dread Pirate Roberts” Ulbricht, Silk Road’s alleged founder, is claiming that a further 144,336 BTC (around $120 million) found on his personal computers are not the proceeds of crime, and therefore cannot be seized. What happens to the cash now? It’ll go into the pockets of the US Marshals, with some of the cash probably going to pay off the storage costs for that giant mechanical heron.
Filed under: Internet
Via: ZDNet
Reuters: Obama will prevent NSA from looking at phone records without a legal reason
Barack Obama is due to give a important speech about the NSA today, but Reuters claims to have had an early heads-up about what the US president will propose. The news agency believes he will announce measures that will prevent the NSA from automatically querying its vast database of private telephone records without a “judicial finding” to support each query. It’s also expected that Obama will change the way the government holds “bulk telephone metadata” in general — a practice initially revealed by whistleblower Edward Snowden — but it’s too early to say exactly how far he’ll go against the wishes of the Senate and House Intelligence committees, which have both called for existing data collection practices to carry on in the name of fighting terrorism. In any case, we’ll be covering the President’s speech in detail when it happens at 11am ET.
Filed under: Cellphones, Misc, Internet
Source: Reuters
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